As a mother and a professional, the transition to working from home can be both a blessing and a challenge. On one hand, you have the flexibility to take care of your children while still pursuing your career goals. On the other hand, it can be hard to balance the demands of work and motherhood, especially when you’re in the same space all day long. Imagine this: You're at your work place, you have an important call you're on, and someone comes up to you and says "I need to poop, come take me to the washroom." You oblige. You come back to your seat, resume your call that you so politely excused yourself from and a few minutes later, "I'm hungry, I need something to eat." Repeat. You get the idea. As a work-from-home mom, you have all the demands of a stay-at-home mom as well as an employee both at the same time. And if you’re like me and have very little help, it can be quite exhausting trying to keep up. In a typical setting, while a woman is at work, they focus on the work while someone looks after the child. While they yearn for their child, may call them frequently and be very much attentive to what is happening with their child, for those hours, they are not solely responsible for the child and their needs. This is not the case for us.
Here are some of the real-life experiences of a work-from-home mom:
The morning rush
The morning rush is a staple of every working mom’s life, and it’s no different for those working from home. Whether it’s getting the kids dressed, making breakfast, or just trying to get out the door on time, it can be a hectic start to the day. To make things easier, try to establish a routine that works for you and your family and stick to it as much as possible. I'd also suggest having 10 minutes either before you begin your day or after everyone's gone to have a warm drink and just relax to brace yourself for the day.
Distractions galore
Working from home can be a challenge when you’re constantly being pulled in different directions. Whether it’s the kids playing, the dog barking, or just trying to get some household chores done, distractions are everywhere. The tough part is you are responsible for the home, family and the job all at the same time. As moms, it's natural that the family looks to you for EVERYTHING. "Mom, where's my socks?" "Darling, do we have milk?" "Is the WiFi working?". It’s important to set boundaries and let your family know when you need to focus on work.
The constant juggle
Balancing the demands of work and motherhood is a constant struggle for work-from-home moms. It can be hard to switch from work mode to mom mode and back again, but with a little practice, it’s possible to get the hang of it. Make sure to take breaks throughout the day to recharge and stay focused. I’ve also found it super helpful to have a routine to my breaks so that my child knows that there’s a time when mom will be free to play.
The guilt factor
This one is by far the worst. One of the biggest challenges for work-from-home moms is the guilt that comes with not being able to give 100% to either work or their children. They see you on your device, they want to mimic you and have a device too, or they are yearning for your attention but the workload is too demanding. You think to yourself, how many times can I say “not now” or “later.” It’s important to remember that no one is perfect and that it’s okay to do the best you can in any given situation. Try to be kind to yourself and remember that you’re doing the best you can.
Finding time for yourself
With the constant demands of work and motherhood, it can be hard to find time for yourself. But it’s important to make time for self-care and to do things that bring you joy. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a bath, or just taking a walk, make sure to carve out time for yourself every day. I’ve learnt the hard way that by not doing this, I help no one!
To those who are not work-from-home parents, one thing I’d advise you to not say is “wow, it must be so great working from home.” I kid you not, although I am grateful that I get to stay at home with my child, it is not great either. It is both physically and mentally draining to the mom. The best thing you could say to them is “how can we help you unwind” or “let us watch your kids for an hour.” Working from home as a mom can be a rewarding experience, but it’s not without its challenges. By staying organized, setting boundaries, and taking care of yourself, you can find a balance that works for you and your family. You got this mama!
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